View our pregnancy gallery and view real pictures of bellies, ultrasounds and more.
It is not uncommon to experience cramping at some stage during your pregnancy and there are many reasons as to why you may experience this.
bleeding - primarily bright red blood Fever Chills Lightheaded or faint Vaginal discharge
There are a number of reasons why you may experience cramping during different stages of pregnancy, and these may include:
Implantation – many women experience a pain which is similar to their period pain during the first weeks and this is usually caused when implantation takes place. Ligaments Stretching – this is usually more common during the second trimester, as the muscles and ligaments which are supporting your growing uterus stretch. False Labor – it is not uncommon for women to experience false labor or Braxton Hicks during the third trimester. This is caused by the muscles in the uterus preparing for labor as they stretch and release, often at irregular intervals. Gas – if you are suffering from gas, then there is a good chance that you may experience some cramping associated with it. Constipation – of course the same would apply if you were constipated. Cramps – in the last remaining weeks of your pregnancy cramping is usually an indication that labor will start soon.
If you are suffering from abdominal pains or cramps during your pregnancy, then try the following:
Avoid quick positional changes. Try bending backwards to relieve the pain. Just be sure not to put too much strain on your back – otherwise you could end up with back ache as well. If you are suffering from gas then walking or some other forms of exercise which are not too stressful can often relieve gas pains.
During the first weeks of your pregnancy severe cramping is often a sign of an Ectopic pregnancy. There may also be other reasons why you may experience cramping, and these include:
Stomach virus Food poisoning Appendicitis Urinary infection Kidney infection Pre-eclampsia
There are of course other reasons as to why you may be suffering from stomach cramps, but if the cramps are severe, then you should inform your healthcare provider ASAP.
Related Topics and Articles
